by David Sanchez September 3, 2019 @ 7:06 am

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

Video games are fun. Let’s remember
that for just a sec. Back in 2004, Xbox owners in Japan were treated
to a From Software game that’s nothing like what you would expect
from the studio these days. Metal Wolf Chaos was fast,
over-the-top, and hilarious. It’s since been enjoyed by larger
audiences thanks to importing and YouTube playthroughs. And now, we
have Metal Wolf Chaos XD, a re-release of the game for
consoles and PC published by Devolver Digital. It’s fun. It’s so damn
fun.

You Are the President of These
United States, and You Take No Guff

Metal Wolf Chaos XD gives an accurate depiction of United States patriotism. That was a joke. The game is totally bonkers, and its portrayal of American pride is hilarious. The whole thing has a distinct Japanese vibe to it, and it’s impossible not to enjoy the parody of Americana the game so gleefully puts on display.

You play as President Michael Wilson,
who discovers he’s been betrayed by Vice President Richard Hawk. In
an attempt to take control of the Land of the Free, Hawk orchestrates
a coup that vilifies President Michael Wilson while painting the Vice
President as an American hero. This is 1980s-level action movie
stuff, and it’s incredible.

Oh, and I’ll never get tired of hearing
Wilson scream, “Richaaaaard!”

Made in the USA

More in line with the Armored Core
series, Metal Wolf Chaos XD puts you in the cockpit of a giant
mechanized bot. You can equip your mech with shotguns, sniper rifles,
assault rifles, pistols, rocket launchers, and more. There are over
100 weapon options available, most of which you unlock as you play.

Missions mostly consist of you blowing
up bad guys. That’s it. That’s literally it. You’re usually
surrounded by dozens of on-foot soldiers, armed aircraft, and rival
mechs, and it’s your goal — no, it’s your duty as President
of these United States — to blow all those suckers up.

The controls in Metal Wolf Chaos XD
work well. Aiming isn’t insanely accurate, but most of the time what
you’re pointing at before you shoot will blow up. This game is super
arcade-y, and though it certainly feels like something from 2004, it
holds up exceptionally well and provides a great deal of in-your-face
action.

The graphics are probably the game’s
weakest point, and it would’ve been interesting to see Metal Wolf
Chaos rebuilt from the ground up, but given how well it plays, I
can’t complain too much. Yes, it looks pretty dated, but there’s an
old school charm to it.

The sound design is especially awesome.
Honestly, the voice acting is kind of bad, but that’s what makes it
so amazing. Your secretary constantly chimes in with quick remarks
like, “Who invited them to the party?” The news reporter is in
full-on alarmist mode when he talks about how terrible the President
is. And Mr. Michael Wilson, well, I can’t get enough of him when he
says he’s going to turn his enemies into perforated cheese. Oh, and
once again: “Richaaaard!”

The Legends Were True

Much remains unchanged in Metal Wolf
Chaos XD. The game still looks and plays largely the same, though
the improved resolution and speeds certainly make the whole thing
look and feel smoother than ever. More than anything, though, Metal
Wolf Chaos XD is a hell of a good time. It’s hilarious, it’s easy
to pick up and play, it’s got a nice level of challenge, and it’s
just a whole lot of fun. If you were always curious about this early
From Software gem, give it a look. You won’t be disappointed.